Studies find women are losing career and financial momentum to stay home with their children. For many women this is a huge financial set back. In fact as a whole, women who chose the mommy track had fewer job and career options even when they did decide to go back into the workforce.

Here are a few “truths” and lessons I’ve gathered over the years:

~ Because of gaps in employment and/or lower wages, women have less or no money in pension plans, retirement accounts and other long-term benefits.

~Often, when women chose to return to work after months or years home with children, they found the job opening choices few and far between. They were often faced with settling for lower paying positions.

~Because of an increasing divorce rate, many women are returning to the workforce with the added stress of being a single parent.

Planning ahead and being proactive financially could take some of the pressure off of parenthood.

Some Smart Solutions:

~It’s never too early to begin working with a financial advisor. Talking to an advisor while you’re still in school or just beginning your career is a smart way to plan for the future. Share your plans, hopes and dreams. A financial planner can help you anticipate the challenges and prepare for obstacles.

~Maximize your health insurance benefits. Shop around for health insurance that will best meet your needs and the needs of the family. Consult a health insurance professional. The money you save annually on health expenses could be invested or placed in savings.

~Check into disability insurance. You can purchase disability insurance on your own. Check to see if it covers pregnancy.

~Remember life insurance. A financial planner can help you figure out how much life insurance will best fit your family situation. There are many different types of policies so read and ask questions.

~Take it easy on spending! Set a budget and stick to the budget. Include some type of savings plan for the future, even if it’s just the change at the bottom of your purse. Every cent begins to add up.

~Can you work from home? How about a home-based business?

~Keep current in your field. Network with other mothers who are in the same profession or field. Form a playgroup. Then, when you’re ready to return to work, you’ll be up on what’s new. With the Internet, it’s easier to stay current and in touch.

~Be open to new ideas. Listen to your banker, financial advisor and the other money professionals in your life. Be wise and do your homework.

~Stay on top of your finances. Don’t allow other people to solely manage your financial life. Know where all your accounts are located, know the balances and know where to find important papers.

The mommy track may slow down wealth building temporarily, but it doesn’t have to completely disrupt your plans for a wealthy future. With smart planning and support from money professionals, motherhood can be not only emotionally rewarding, but financially secure also.

This year more than any other year I feel the Christmas Spirit stronger than previous years. Something wonderful is stirring in the air. We already had a snowstorm here on the East Coast/Philadelphia Suburbs and Holiday decorations will be hung this weekend. Let the shopping begin.

What about your skin regimen? Are you prepared for the winter weather which includes dry air and frigid temperatures?

Many of us will be preparing to attend Holiday parties, dinners and special events. Whether you live on East or West Coast your skin will show the effects of either cold temperatures or strong sun. Self-care for your skin is essential for any makeup routine but especially a glamourous, evening look. I have been keeping track of winter beauty trends, tips and tricks especially for the 50 and over women. Now that I am smack in the middle of my 60’s I appreciate all the wonderful beauty products available for home beauty treatments and routines.

Careless cleansing and moisturizing routines or even lack of a good skin regimen can be transformed within a week by using a more disciplined approach. Start with five steps to include gentle cleansing, toner, firming serum and day moisturizer with at least 25 spf protection. Don’t forget a rich nighttime moisturizer.

Preparing for a social event and you want to look fabulous but don’t have the time for a spa visit or you can’t get an appointment before the event? I want to share my five quick holiday beauty tricks that work together to get your skin glowing and looking five star beautiful.

To protect and nurture your skin this winter, I want to recommend using the Apriori Beauty daily five step system. Then, on alternate days exfoliate and use a clay or moisture masque. I believe too that equally important are your daily exercise regimen, adequate sleep and hydration

My 5 Quick Holiday Beauty Wonders:

1. Devices – Derma Firm Illuminator Treatment System by Apriori Beauty is non-invasive and used In-home for beautiful results. I love this little machine and I use several times a week. We call it the “10 minute facelift”

This super skin machine with four-advanced methods including Ultrasound waves, galvanic ion, far infrared light and micro massage will visibly reduce signs of aging. The machine uses PSR (peptide conductor) into the upper most layers of the skin to deliver nutrients.

2. Celloxylin Moisture Extreme, Hydrating Mask – Apriori’s newest skincare innovation. This beauty mask will do the trick to bring back the moisture and plump up those Lines and wrinkles. I use as needed several times a week. Make-up goes on flawlessly when your skin is well moisturized.

3. Detox Clay masque – Cleanse, exfoliate and detoxify with this winner. I use three times weekly in the morning. The combination of pumice, cleansing clays, botanicals and the Enviro-Extract yields beautiful results

4. Highlighters (silver/gold)– Mix a little with your foundation or use on cheekbones, inner area of eye or brow line.

Gifts come in all shapes and sizes. Some are expensive and some cost nothing but our time and energy. If you have an entrepreneur on your holiday list who has a home office, I have some gift giving suggestions that will bring a smile to their face.

1. An ergonomic desk chair. If your entrepreneur spends any length of time at their desk, it is important to have an office chair that supports the lower back and promotes good posture. This may not be the most glamorous gift, but it is a healthy one.

2. The gift of Kindle Unlimited. Does your entrepreneur like to read? There are over a million books available to borrow. I think of it as a lending library. The subscriber can borrow up to 10 books at a time – then return a book and borrow another one. Your entrepreneur will find both nonfiction and fiction books. There are also magazines and audio books available. The downside: You won’t find too many bestsellers.

3. A cleaning service. Even if the service comes once a month or every couple of months to do a deep cleaning, what a time and energy saver. This gift is something I suggest you work out with your entrepreneur before you engage a service. We all have our house cleaning preferences.

4. A gift card for something fun, relaxing and rejuvenating. Sometimes working from home means we forget to make time for fun and self-care activities. A gift card for their go-to beauty salon, the movies, a favorite restaurant, spa treatments, an upcoming concert, etc.

5. The gift of a professional photo shoot. Every entrepreneur needs a good photo for business cards, social media, a book jacket, etc. It’s not something we think about until we need it and then, it may not be easy to find the right photographer. A professional headshot can create instant credibility for the work at home entrepreneur.

6. Home cooked meals they can freeze. Provide a week’s worth of meals that can be frozen and used when your entrepreneur doesn’t have time or energy to cook. This gift will be a HUGE hit!

7. The gift of your undivided attention and unwavering support. Making time to listen and share positive words of encouragement is something that is always greatly appreciated.

Hopefully these seven suggestions sparked some ideas of your own this holiday season. Please remember, the best gift of all is the one given from your heart. Happy holidays!

Be sure to purchase your copy of my empowering paperback and Kindle book, How To Give Your the POWER to Succeed on Amazon.com – Recognizing the things you’re doing that may be keeping you from the things you want.

Extremes are exhausting, and we are living in extreme times. Social, environmental and political extremes have drained me of what I once thought to be an endless reserve of creative energy and optimism.

Recently, my Hope and Inspiration have vanished, and I’ve needed to do something to get them back.

I do not mean to sound dramatic. Mine is a blessed and advantaged life. I have a deep sense of satisfaction in my relationships and work. I live in appreciation of this every day. Here’s the thing: As I reached my mid-50’s I moved into “Extreme” mode, attending to my aging parents and their affairs, and being at the ready for whatever comes next on their journey.

Needing to make room for this adjustment, I have pushed creativity, fitness and entrepreneurship out of the picture. And this is all happening with the backdrop of a world spinning out of control. It has taken a toll on mind, body and spirit. I have never before felt depleted, and I will not stand for it!

I know still have stamina, and I can get my life back in balance. Optimistic by nature, I am ready to re-energize my vision and zest for life. Perhaps I’ve been overthinking the solution. I can do that, from time to time. Thankfully, last weekend offered a surprise – a deliciously simple recipe for a gentle re-boot and a reminder of the importance of self-care.

Here’s how it unfolded:
• I was up before dawn on this autumn day. The stillness of the house before the sun and anyone rises is cozy and it grounds me for the day.
• I checked the weather, and noticed a gentle rain falling. Rain is soothing and makes me glad to be indoors.
• My neighbors’ dogs stayed overnight, so I enjoyed a quiet morning surrounded by sleeping dogs. This offered a feeling of simple love and pure energy.
• I poured a delicious mug of coffee. This offered a perfect way to just “be” in the moment, with warmth in my hands.
• I found a video on YouTube of music for anti-stress and anxiety. I didn’t watch the video. That’s too much stimulation for early morning. I just let the music float over me.
• I invested in a tube of Pillsbury crescent rolls, and it was waiting for me in the refrigerator. This is a wonderful and soothing indulgence, reminiscent of childhood and winter mornings.
• I picked up a novel that I’ve been trying to “get-into”, and I magically stopped thinking about the news and social media and schedules and work.
• In the course of one hour, I felt nourished and balanced. I felt refreshed. I was so pleased that I gave myself the gift of time, and I emerged tuned-in to the day without a news hangover.

I am now making an effort to re-boot each day. No one wants to bother my schedule before dawn, and I am quickly discovering that I am re-awakening my creative giant. I think I’m getting my groove back, and it’s happening just in time – You and I and the World need Hope and Inspiration.

If you’d like to learn more about Building A Powerful Vision for your Life and Career, I invite you visit tessdenton.com to explore tools that can help you Create A Life You Love at any age.

Tess Denton is a Future Facilitator. She helps people and companies create a powerful vision for success.

Engage your imagination in creating your best future by reading Building a Powerful Vision Board, Your Path Achieving Your Goals and What You Want In Life.

The Vision Board process is great fun, and the book is informative and engaging. By learning how to create powerful Vision Boards and developing a roadmap to achieve your vision, you can create the future you want for yourself.